Lebanon orders army to confront Israeli raids after deadly strike
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has directed the army to counter Israeli incursions following a raid that killed a public officer in southern Lebanon. The order marks the first such military authorization since the 2024 ceasefire. Hezbollah has endorsed the decision while criticizing Israel's continued presence at border outposts.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has authorized the national army to confront Israeli military incursions into southern Lebanon, responding to an Israeli raid that killed a municipal officer in Blida town. This significant directive represents the first time since the November 2024 ceasefire that Lebanon has officially ordered military engagement against Israeli violations of its sovereignty.
Ceasefire Violation and Presidential Response
The presidential order followed an overnight Israeli military operation targeting a municipality building in the southern town of Blida, resulting in the death of a Lebanese public officer. During a meeting with Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal at Beirut's Baabda Palace, President Aoun condemned what he described as a continuous pattern of Israeli aggression. He specifically criticized the timing of the attack, which occurred just one day after a meeting of the ceasefire oversight committee.
Political Reactions and Broader Conflict
Hezbollah praised President Aoun's decision and pledged support to enhance the Lebanese army's defensive capabilities. The group simultaneously called on the government to adopt stronger diplomatic measures to protect Lebanese citizens. This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing disputes over weapons control, with Hezbollah maintaining its arsenal despite government efforts to consolidate all weapons under state authority, citing Israel's continued occupation of five border outposts.
Background of Violence and Unfulfilled Agreements
The Israeli-Lebanese conflict has resulted in substantial casualties, with Lebanese sources reporting over 4,000 deaths and 17,000 injuries since hostilities intensified in October 2023. Although a ceasefire was established in November 2024, followed by an expected full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in January, Israeli forces maintain a military presence at several border positions, continuing tensions along the Lebanon-Israel frontier.
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